Plumber Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $48.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Richland, WA runs $48.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richland, Washington, plumbers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $48.87, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This means that those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—can take home a lucrative paycheck while keeping a flexible schedule. In practical terms, this translates to various work settings such as commercial construction sites, home service calls, and maintenance roles in industrial settings like manufacturing plants and hospitals. Entry-level positions typically start around $33.67, escalating to $75.75 for top earners in the sector. These figures illustrate an appealing hourly landscape for both experienced tradespeople and those entering the profession, with the potential for self-employed plumbers and contractors to earn even more, depending on their client base and specialization.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.67 | $269.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.97 | $303.79 |
| Median (P50) | $48.87 | $390.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.56 | $500.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.75 | $606.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $48.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.87/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,646. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,954.85 | $8,471 | $101,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.91 | $5,083 | $60,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.94 | $3,388 | $40,661 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Richland) | $48.87 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Richland, WA earn a median of $101,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 55.41% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 23.90% above the Washington state average of $82,044.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.87/hr = $60,991/year (purchasing power: $56,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,652/year (purchasing power: $94,648).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Richland grew 15.7% from $41.21/hr (2019) to $47.67/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Richland
For those considering part-time plumbing work in Richland, the financial reality becomes attractive even with a 24-hour work week, yielding impressive income compared to a full-time commitment. Per diem opportunities are also available, particularly for travel pipefitters and steamfitters, who can command $40-$65 per hour alongside daily stipends of $100-$175 on out-of-town projects. Service plumbing offers a variable pay scale as well—call-out fees often start at $150-$300, making it critical for plumbers to understand their worth when negotiating hourly rates. Differences in pay can arise based on the employer type, with union contractors generally offering a premium while non-union outfits may provide greater flexibility. It's essential for professionals to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and the benefits usually tied to union employment, including health insurance and retirement plans. Knowing the local market and effectively negotiating rates can enhance overall earning potential in Richland's plumbing sector.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Richland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov